Winter camping trip

Another meetup organizer and myself set up an event for introducing winter backpacking to people who already do 3 season backpacking. As we would have access to a small hut, it gave people a chance to test out their sleep systems knowing if they were too cold, they could go in the hut and sleep warmer. We ended up with 8 people total which was a nice sized group. The organizer and I took time to make sure everyone had the right gear over email and by the time the trip started, everyone seemed to be in good shape. It was a 10 mile hike total and there was some snow and ice present. We didn't expect it but it was nice to have as it made for some great views. We did spend a lot of time stopping and looking at views. We had to hurry up after lunch so we could reach the cabin before dark.

The cabin was a cute little thing with thick stone walls and a tiny little wood stove. We tried to get a fire going outside, but eventually moved the fire inside and got the stove going. It was really nice in the cabin and no one wanted to leave to go to bed. The next morning, everything was covered in frost. Since we had arrived a little late the day before, we never did find the privy. The next morning, someone who was up early with a few of us had gone off to explore a little and finally found it. Turns out it was on the other side of the main trail. It was way out of the way. Oh well.

The hike out was almost all downhill and we just flew down. I had a chance to talk with the other organizer and we had a great time. We are also organizing a big New Year's Eve party on Assateague. That should be lots of fun and I am really looking forward to that.